The Joseph City School District Governing Board will give district employees a one-step pay increase when it grants final approval of the fiscal year 2012 budget on July 12.

In a special meeting held June 27, the board voted three to one to accept the proposed budget, which includes the $58,064 required to cover the step increase. The total proposed 2012 budget is $5,359,461.

The step increase will be paid with reserves in maintenance and operations funds already included in the draft 2012 budget.

Board member Ronnie Blosser cast the lone dissenting vote.

“We don’t know what the budget cuts will be next year, so I’d rather keep all employees on, instead of giving raises this year and risking falling short and having to cut a position next year,” said Blosser.

“They deserve a raise, they honestly do,” continued Blosser, “but I’m not willing to take someone’s livelihood in my hands.”

The budget must be posted with the Arizona Department of Education and advertised prior to the governing board reconvening at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, to render final approval and hold a truth in taxation hearing.

The regular governing board meeting will immediately follow the budget and tax sessions.